The National tribune., 1887-03-17
RELIEF CORPS NEWS.
Gleanings from National Headquar-
terS--NOtes from the Departments.
HEADQUARTERS WoMANs RELIEF CORPS,
SAN FRASCIsCO, CAL

SAN FRANCIsCO. CAL
ELIZABETH DA. K1SvE. National President
NELLIE @. BACKUs. National Secretary.
MARCH 2, 1887.
DEAR TEIBUNE: In Maryland for n number
of years past the Posts have been assisted in
their charity work by the Post ladies, but
having learned something of the ways and
means of the Womans Relief Corps, these ladies
are anxious to reOrganize under its banner, and
are hopeful that by rapid and earnest work they
may form Department before the annual
Convention to be held Sept. 25, in St. Louis, and
to have a representation there. Corps No. l
has already been organized in Charlestown,
Md, and now we have received application for
4 charter TO form Corps in Baltimore, when
there will be AZ charter members, formerly
working rs an auxiliary society. As Mrs.
Henrietta Stcismier, National Instituting and
Installing officer. is ut such great distance from
them, Mrs. Hattie l.. Reed, of Dorchester Mass,
has been appointed Special Aid to give them in
structiOns and organize Corps throughout the
State.
We have almost daily letters from Mrs L. A.
Turner National Treasurer, who is pursuing
her good work in Virginia. No trip could con-
tain more Of interest of pathOs, and humor
than such one among the cOlOred Corps
of our Order. They are far removed from any
fountain-head of instruction, but where they
have been unable 20 follow out the letter of the
law never have they failed in the spirit. They,
without exception almost, earn their living in
daily manual labor, and what they are able to
spare from the cost of their own absolute needs
and necessities is often the widows mite,
but all they have is given with n willing
heart and a ready hand. One old lady
when their great privations were remsrked,
answered, voicing the universal sentiment,
" But it was the soldiers that made us
free" They are able to do much Of the real
ministering work in nursing the sick, and on
three successive Mondays answered call for
assistance in burying comrades Of the Post.
One of the very enjoyable features was a recep-
tion rendered Mrs Turner by the CtIIaux Post
and Corps. The banquet was veritable ban
quet indeed, prepared by the members of the
Corps themselves, with n most enticing menu
cold chicken and other dainty meats, oysters in
a variety of styles. and all kinds of cOnfcctions
aud fruits, and such other dishes as only the
Southern negro cook can prepare. The Post made
a very fine appearance in full uniform, and did
the honors of escort duty. Thus fall the sun
shine and shadows across the road of life.
At the annual Convention Of the Department
OF California, recently held in Los Angeles, it
was decided to establish a home for army
nurses and the widows and orphans Of soldiers,
and Sl25 was Immediately donated toward this
object. Seventy dollars was also donated to
| Mother Ransom one OF the worthiest Of our
i
in which she is held by all members OF the Order
in this Department.
Among resolutions read and adopted was the
| following:
Resoired. That this Convention hereby express
| Il. pleasure III having present so many National
/ Officers. and to Mrs. Kinne. National President,
extend special thanks for the good and much
/ needed instructions she has given.
| As farewell the GAR. and W.RC. were
rendered most enjoyable banquet and all the
| toasts were warmly responded 10, and when
/ Maj. Bonebrake, Master OF Ceremonies. called
| for a respone to the 'WOmans Relief Corps"
| in accordance to the program, Mrs. Kline
| (quoting from the Los Angeles Times) rose 20
/ reply and made one of the telling and eloquent
addresses OF the evening. So earnestly did she
appeal for aid in behalf Of the pet project of
| this Department the home for veterans widows
and orphans, that at the conclusion of her adj
dress. Mayor Spence arose and informed her.
| in his usual happy vein, that if she would call
at the banking institution of which he was
| President. as soon after It's doors were opened
next morning as would be convenient for. her,
she would be handed SlCO to be used as she
/ deemed best in this most worthy cause. Thus
is recorded another victory. EUREKA.
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT.
| Query In an election Of Corps officers. when the
result of ballot J. announced. IL a member having
the largest number Of votes declines to take the
! Office, can "a floor member give the office to the
! one having the next in number of votes without
| another ballot?
| Answer. A member cannot give the Office 20
any one. 1.-THE member elected declines the Office
and there but other who had received
votes. II would be proper to entertain n motion
that the ballot be dispensed with and she be de-
clarcd elected; but such motion must be carried
unanimously; otherwise new ballot should be